GOODBYE, JEFF CONAWAY...

Protector of Humanity: the late Jeff Conaway as Security Chief Zack Allan in BABYLON 5. Image: TNT/WARNER BROTHERS.

For generations of fans worldwide, the late film/TV/stage actor Jeff Conaway, who sadly passed away yesterday aged 60-his long battle with his inner demons of drugs and alcohol now over- will always be remembered and loved for his great turn as Kenickie in the iconic 1977 summer of fun film version of the musical GREASE (prior to the film, New Yorker Conaway had also played the lead role of Danny Zuko, given film reality by John Travolta, to acclaim on Broadway). There were also memorable roles in such series as the  ensemble comedy hit TAXI and the cult fantasy WIZARDS AND WARRIORS as well as appearances in HAPPY DAYS, KOJAK and TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE and films like PETE'S DRAGON and THE EAGLE HAS LANDED. But I'll personally always remember him as the brave, vulnerable and very amiable Sergeant, later Security Chief, Zack Allan in the classic sci-fi series BABYLON 5, of which he came into the show at first as a recurring guest star early on in season two (Conaway would later recall to fans how impressed he was with the series when he originally saw it and quickly wanted to be a part of it, even if only in a small way) as one of Security Chief Garibaldi's right hand men, before becoming a much deserved full blown cast lead from the third season onwards. With eyes that always had a slightly sad but compassionate look to them, Conaway brought a nice and easy, sympathetic touch of the everyman to his performance as Zack, and there were to be numerous times in the series and TV movies to follow when we cheered him on as he went into harms way to protect his dearest friends and the other occupants of the space station- now known as "the last best hope for peace"- from menaces of every shape and form. There's nothing like playing a hero and the actor always enjoyed the series and his character's developments and inter-actions over the impressive story arcs.

Rest in peace now, Jeff Conaway, but be assured that your place in film and TV history will always be fondly remembered...